What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis? The 'brain-eating' amoeba behind 19 deaths in Kerala
PAM occurs when the Naegleria fowleri, i.e. the ‘brain-eating amoeba’, enters the body through the nose, typically when swimming or bathing in contaminated freshwater.
Kerala's health authorities are on high alert due to multiple cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and often fatal brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba'.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George, on Wednesday, told ANI that 69 cases and 19 deaths were linked to the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ in 2025.
The minister, however, mentioned that the cases were not clusters but single cases.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
PAM occurs when the Naegleria fowleri, the 'brain-eating amoeba’, enters the body through the nose, typically when swimming or bathing in contaminated freshwater.
The symptoms typically appear after 1-12 days.
PAM symptoms:
- Severe headache
- High fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Kerala has registered several death reports for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases across districts in August and September 2025, as per official reports.
The infection, however, does not spread from person to person.
Which age group is affected?
PAM cases have been reported in individuals ranging from 3 months to 91 years. This year, 33 males and 19 females have been affected.
Kerala has seen PAM cases before; in 2024, infections were reported in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Kannur districts during June and July, reported ANI.
"Given past reports from the state and high fatality associated with the disease, continuous vigilance, enhanced surveillance, environmental sampling, and strict IEC measures are essential. NCDC and the State Health Department are monitoring the situation closely, with laboratory confirmation and epidemiological investigations underway," official sources said.
The Kerala government has asked people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms similar to a PAM infection after exposure to stagnant water.
The state's health minister also said that medical practitioners have been asked to check the cause of meningoencephalitis.
“If they find amoeba, they will start the treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, which saves lives...Early detection leads to saving lives,” said George.
(With inputs from agencies)